Tibetan Losar

The Tibetan community of Minnesota held its annual Losar (New Year) with several days of events to mark the most important holiday in Tibet, where Losar is celebrated for 15 days with major celebrations on the first three days. The Tibetan calendar marks Losar 2138 on March 5, 2011 and is also celebrated in parts of India, Nepal and Bhutan.

Minnesota Tibetans filled the fourth floor ball room of Mall of America on March 4, for events including the New Year ceremonial prayers led by monks from Gyuto Wheel of Dharma Center, followed by greetings by community leaders and the organizing group of the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota. There were varieties of cultural performance representing diverse cultures of Tibet, including a snow lion dance as seen above, along with musicians and dancers as seen at right in the contributed photos.

The official MOA event concluded in the evening but continued at the Tibetan Community Center in St. Paul. The following day, Tibetans gathered for prayer and ritual and a flag ceremony at TAFM.